'Price of rumour' pushes salt to Rs 150/200 per Kg across the State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 15 2013 : Sudden panic buying of common salt seen in different parts of the State today was driven by a fear of scarcity of common salt in the State but the fear was fuelled by rumours, and perhaps common salt traders had a hand in circulating the rumours so that they can clear their existing stocks, stated CAF&PD Minister M Okendro.

The same scene was witnessed in other parts of the country with Bihar's Food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak blaming the BJP for spreading the rumour.

The office of The Sangai Express was also bombarded by a flurry of phone calls all enquiring authenticity of the rumour that common salt would no longer be available in the State.

At Khwairamband market, City Police went on a publicity round using PA systems informing people that there is adequate stock of common salt and there is no need to buy it at inflated prices.

Briefing media persons in the afternoon, CAF&PD Minister M Okendro clarified that the panicky situation was created by some rumour mongers.

From queuing up for fuel to now queuing for salt, Manipur has seen it all : Imphal, Ukhrul, Moreh, crackdown at Jiri and panic buying at CCpur

There is adequate quantity of common salt in stock.

People need not buy common salt at inflated prices, Okendro said.

Nevertheless, taking serious note of the far-reaching effect of the rumour, the Government has directed all district administrations to be vigilant and book all mischievous elements and rumour mongers under the Essential Commodity Act.

Meanwhile, CAF&PD Department held a meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce on the same matter.

Okendro also called upon the public to round rumour mongers and hand them over to police, and inform the department on 0385-2451039 or the helpline no 18003453821 if any shopkeeper is found selling common salt at prices higher than the normal rate.

Consumer Club Manipur has urged the Government to trace and punish the rumour mongers.

The club also lauded the police efforts aimed at neutralising the rumour of common salt scarcity.

Meanwhile, AMUCO has asked the Government to solve the problems of sudden inflation in the price of common salt and unavailability of the common salt in markets.

The Government of Manipur should inform the people the existing stocks of common salt.

Appealing to all common salt traders/agents not to hike price of the essential commodity, AMUCO, through a press release, warned that traders/agents would face dire consequences if any one of them is found selling common salt at inflated prices.

It appealed to the Government to ensure that common salt is available in the State in abundance at the normal rate.

AMUCO also appealed to all Meira Paibi organisation, clubs and voluntary associations to inform them on telephone no.8730830276 if any shopkeeper/trade is found selling common salt at inflated prices.

AMSU too has asked all shopkeepers and agents not to hike price of common salt.

A special drive conducted by AMSU volunteers at Khwairamband market today found that there is adequate stock of common salt in godowns and shops.